A patient logs into a secure platform, checks their lab results, books a follow-up appointment, and messages their doctor—all without stepping foot into a clinic. Patient portals are redefining how patients and providers connect, streamlining communication and access to care. If you’re in healthcare, patient portal development is essential today to lighten a patient’s journey and attract attention to your service.
In this guide, we unpack everything you need to know about patient portal development. From understanding what makes these platforms tick to exploring their transformative impact on patient engagement. You’ll learn how to design features that patients actually use, integrate portals seamlessly into your systems, and even estimate the cost of building a custom solution. This is your manual to create a patient portal that people will enjoy, regardless of whether you’re a digital innovator or a healthcare professional.
Let’s start!
What is a patient portal?
A patient portal is a safe online platform that enables patients to manage appointments, interact with healthcare professionals, and access their medical records—all in one place. It is a personal hub for healthcare, offering convenience and transparency that traditional systems often lack.
These portals are typically designed as web-based platforms or patient portal apps, making them accessible from any device, anytime. Whether it’s reviewing lab results, refilling prescriptions, or checking vaccination records, a well-built patient portal empowers users to take control of their health journey. Healthcare providers also gain from more efficient workflows and improved communication, creating a win-win scenario.
What makes these systems truly revolutionary is their ability to integrate seamlessly with existing healthcare software, such as electronic health records (EHRs). This integration ensures that patients receive up-to-date, accurate information while enabling providers to deliver personalized care more efficiently. For developers involved in patient portal software development, the challenge lies in creating user-friendly designs and maintaining high levels of security to protect sensitive health data.
How does a patient portal work
Functionally, patient portals integrate directly with healthcare systems such as (EHRs). This integration enables real-time updates to a patient’s medical data, ensuring accuracy and reliability. Patients can securely:
- Message their care team
- Get appointment reminders
- Pay bills online
- Access their health data
All of these reduce the necessity for phone calls or in-person meetings. For mobile users, patient portal apps enhance convenience by offering notifications and access to all features on the go.
At their core, patient portals focus on simplifying the patient’s experience while improving engagement. By bringing scheduling, communication, and health record access into one platform, these tools reduce administrative friction and empower patients to take charge of their care. Whether through a browser or a mobile app, the functionality of patient portals supports a more connected and proactive approach to healthcare.
How patient portals create value for patients
Patient portal solutions foster direct interactions and simplify access to health-related services. They are an important step toward a more connected, patient-focused approach to modern medicine. Here are the main patient portal features which bring great value to the the patients:
- All health info in one place
Get access to test results, treatment recommendations, and medical records anytime, anywhere with easy-to-use patient portal apps. It’s like having your medical history on speed dial. - Schedule without stress
Book appointments online without waiting on hold. Modern patient portal solutions let you choose dates, times, and even providers with just a few clicks. - 24/7 communication
Securely message your healthcare provider to ask questions, clarify prescriptions, or follow up on treatments. No chasing callbacks. - Easy medication management
Refill prescriptions with a tap and track your medication history seamlessly through your portal—simplifying a task that used to feel daunting. - Smooth notification system
Get reminders for checkups, vaccines, or upcoming procedures. With patient portal solutions, staying on top of your health has never been so convenient. - Access anywhere, anytime
Whether on a desktop or through patient portal apps, patients have instant access to their data, giving them full control over their healthcare journey. - Full privacy and protection
Robust security measures ensure your personal health information stays confidential, letting you engage with your care worry-free. - Fewer paperwork
Stacks of paperwork are not a headache anymore—portals digitize forms, simplifying administrative tasks for both patients and providers.
This way, patient portals reshape how care is provided and experienced. They encourage people to take responsibility for their own health, stronger connections with healthcare providers.
Types of patient portals
Not all patient portals are created equal, and the right solution depends on the goals of your healthcare organization. Let’s explore the key types of patient portals and how they cater to different needs, with patient portals examples.
1. Standalone portals
These are independent platforms built specifically for patient engagement. Designed by specialized patient portal software companies, they offer features like appointment scheduling, secure messaging, and access to medical records. Standalone portals are ideal for practices that want to enhance patient interaction without overhauling their entire IT infrastructure.
Example: A private clinic offering an app for patients to book appointments and view lab results.
2. Integrated portals
Built directly into existing EHR systems, integrated portals provide a seamless experience for both patients and dental staff. These portals synchronize patient data across systems, enabling real-time updates and eliminating duplicate records. Thus, they ensure that all information is precise and simple to access, lowering the possibility of mistakes and eliminating redundant records.
Example: A hospital’s patient portal linked to its EHR system for streamlined care coordination.
3. Custom-built portals
Adapted to a healthcare organization’s particular requirements, custom portals are developed from the ground up. This type of portal ensures maximum flexibility and scalability, being the perfect solution for providers with specific requirements. A custom portal can integrate advanced tools, specialized workflows, and even third-party systems.
Example: A large healthcare network working with portal software companies to create a portal with multilingual support and advanced telehealth features.
4. Specialized portals
These cater to niche healthcare sectors such as dental care, pediatrics, or mental health. These portals often include industry-specific tools and integrations that support the specialized nature of care, such as dental imaging for dentists, growth charts for pediatricians, or mental health assessment forms for therapists.
Example: Patient portal solutions for a dental clinic offering appointment reminders and access to treatment plans.
5. Consumer-focused portals
Some portals focus on patient convenience above all, prioritizing features that enhance the overall patient experience and foster loyalty. These platforms provide integrated wearable devices to track fitness and health data, offer wellness tips, and provide medication trackers to help patients manage their health proactively.
Example: A telemedicine app with a patient portal solution that includes a health dashboard for fitness tracking.
When planning to implement a patient portal, it’s essential to consider the associated costs, which can vary significantly depending on the type of portal and its features.
| Portal type | Cost range |
| Standalone portals | $20,000–$50,000 |
| Integrated portals | $50,000–$100,000 |
| Custom-built portals | $100,000–$250,000+ |
| Specialized portals | $20,000–$80,000 |
| Consumer-focused portals | $30,000–$80,000 |
Healthcare organizations can choose a solution that aligns with their operational needs and patient expectations. The right portal is a software add-on for improving care and building lasting patient relationships. Read through to learn the cost of each separate service for the patient portal software development.
How is the patient portal different from a PHR
In health data management, both patient portals and personal health records (PHRs) play essential roles. While they could initially appear to be similar, their purposes, features, and management differ significantly. Let’s review the differences:
| Feature | Patient portal | Personal health record (PHR) |
| Definition | A secure platform managed by healthcare teams for patients to interact with their healthcare providers and view their medical records. | A self-managed health record maintained by the patient, containing personal health data from various sources. |
| Management | Managed by a healthcare provider or organization using a patient portal platform. | Fully controlled and updated by the patient. |
| Integration | Directly integrated with the provider’s systems (e.g., EHRs), ensuring real-time updates. | May require manual input or syncing with external devices/apps. |
| Access to medical records | Provides access to provider-stored test results, medical records, and treatment plans. | Can include a mix of provider data, wearable data, and self-reported health information. |
| Communication features | Allows secure messaging with healthcare providers, appointment scheduling, and prescription requests. | Typically lacks direct communication features with healthcare providers. |
| Customization | Limited customization—designed to align with the provider’s system and care standards. | Highly customizable—patients can include personal notes, fitness data, and other metrics. |
| Purpose | Facilitates direct interaction between patients and their healthcare providers. | Serves as a comprehensive health diary for personal use. |
| Data ownership | Data is owned and managed by the healthcare provider. | Data is fully owned and managed by the patient. |
| Examples of use | Checking lab results, booking appointments, receiving reminders for follow-ups. | Tracking fitness goals, recording symptoms, consolidating health data from multiple sources. |
| Security | High-level security measures governed by healthcare compliance standards. | Security varies; dependent on the platform chosen by the patient. |
| Who uses it? | Patients accessing their provider’s systems through a patient portal platform. | Patients who want a broader view of their health, beyond a single provider. |
Ultimately, both patient portals and PHRs are valuable tools in today’s digital healthcare landscape. However, their value lies in how they complement each other. Together, they offer a holistic approach to health management, catering to the needs of both patients and providers in a patient-centered system.
Patient portal requirements
To successfully implement a patient portal system, certain conditions must be met to ensure functionality, security, and usability. Consider these requirements to ensure the platform’s technical and user-focused features:
- Integration with EHR systems: A patient portal must seamlessly connect with the healthcare provider’s EHR to provide real-time data updates, ensuring patients always have access to accurate information.
- User-friendly interface: The portal ought to be simple to use and intuitive, catering to a diverse patient demographic with varying levels of tech proficiency.
- Security and compliance: Since sensitive health data is involved, robust security protocols like encryption, multi-factor authentication, and compliance with standards such as Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) are mandatory.
- Mobile accessibility: A well-designed patient portal system should include mobile access, either through responsive web design or dedicated patient portal apps.
- Core features: Must-haves include appointment scheduling, prescription management, secure messaging, bill payment, and access to medical records.
- Scalability and customization: The system should be scalable to accommodate future growth and customizable to conform to the healthcare organization’s particular requirements.
How do you set up a patient portal
Setting up a patient portal requires careful planning, technical expertise, and a patient-first mindset. These are the necessary steps to create a patient portal:
- Define objective
Identify the primary goals of the portal, such as improving patient engagement, streamlining communication, or enhancing operational efficiency.
- Choose the right approach
Decide between building a custom portal tailored to your needs through patient portal software development or implementing a pre-built solution from a trusted vendor.
- Integrate
Ensure the portal integrates seamlessly with your existing systems, especially your EHR, to enable real-time updates and data synchronization.
- Design
Work on developing a user-friendly interface that meets the needs of both patients and staff. Include mobile-friendly features if launching a dedicated app.
- Implement security measures
Include innovative security features like role-based access restrictions, encryption, and adherence to HIPAA and other healthcare laws.
- Test and gather feedback
Test the portal extensively with staff and a small group of patients. Gather feedback to address usability issues before the official launch.
- Train and support the system
Provide comprehensive training to staff and educational resources to patients for smooth adoption. Include ongoing technical support to address issues quickly.
These steps focus on strategic patient portal software development. By following them, your healthcare organization can ensure an integrated patient portal that meets your needs and enhances the patient experience.
Top patient portal vendors
Selecting the right patient portal system is crucial for enhancing patient engagement and streamlining healthcare operations. Here are some top patient portal software vendors to consider:
Intobi
The first vendor stands out for its tailored patient portal solutions, offering seamless integration with existing systems and a user-friendly interface. Intobi’s commitment to customization ensures that healthcare providers receive a platform that aligns perfectly with their operational needs, enhancing both patient engagement and administrative efficiency.
Epic Systems
Known for its comprehensive electronic medical record software, Epic’s MyChart portal allows patients to contact with clinicians, make appointments, and access medical records. It’s widely adopted by leading healthcare institutions.
Athenahealth
It provides a patient portal as part of its athenaOne suite, offering core features like appointment management, bill payment, and secure communication. While effective for basic needs, its features may require additional customization to meet the unique workflows of different healthcare organizations.
Oracle Health
Oracle’s patient portal solutions are known for facilitating basic health management tasks, such as accessing medical records and messaging providers. While functional, the user experience and advanced feature integration can fall short compared to more dynamic platforms like Intobi.
Veradigm
The service delivers dependable patient engagement tools, focusing on medical record access and appointment management. Though a solid option for organizations already using Allscripts’ EHR, its portal lacks the flexibility and innovation found in more modern solutions.
NextGen Healthcare
The vendor provides a straightforward patient portal with essential tools for health management. While its features are serviceable, it’s better suited for smaller organizations looking for a simple, ready-made solution without extensive customization.
While all these vendors offer viable options for implementing patient portal systems, Intobi’s tailored, innovative approach makes it the superior choice for organizations aiming to provide the best in patient engagement and operational efficiency.
Patient portal engagement metrics
Measuring the success of patient portal solutions requires tracking key engagement metrics that reflect how effectively the platform is serving patients and healthcare providers. Here are the most critical metrics to monitor:
- Portal adoption rate
The percentage of patients who have signed up for the portal. A high adoption rate indicates that the portal is being promoted effectively and resonates with the patient base.
- Active usage rate
Beyond sign-ups, it’s essential to track how many patients actively use the portal for tasks like scheduling, viewing medical records, or messaging providers. This reflects the portal’s relevance and usability.
- Login frequency
Tracking how often patients log in provides insights into their reliance on the portal. Frequent logins suggest high engagement and trust in the platform as a primary tool for healthcare management.
- Feature utilization
Analyzing which features (e.g., appointment booking, prescription requests, bill payments) are used most helps identify what patients find valuable and areas where functionality can be improved.
- Secure messaging activity
The number of messages sent between patients and providers indicates the portal’s role in facilitating communication, reducing phone calls, and streamlining care delivery.
- Mobile vs. desktop access
Understanding the device preferences of users—whether they access the portal through mobile apps or desktops—helps optimize the platform for a better user experience.
- Patient satisfaction
Feedback through surveys and satisfaction scores provides qualitative data on the portal’s impact on patient experience and overall care delivery.
- Reduced administrative burden
Metrics like fewer no-show appointments or reduced call volumes to the clinic demonstrate how the portal streamlines operations for healthcare staff.
Why these metrics matter
Tracking engagement metrics ensures that patient portal solutions meet their goals of improving accessibility, enhancing patient experience, and optimizing healthcare workflows. Regularly evaluating these metrics helps healthcare providers make data-driven improvements, ensuring the portal remains an indispensable tool for patients and staff alike.
Perfect tech stack for custom patient portal
Crafting a custom HMS patient portal isn’t just about functionality but rather about creating a seamless, secure, and intuitive experience. To make that vision a reality, you need the perfect tech stack that balances innovation, scalability, and compliance. Here’s the perfect match for the modern patient portal solution:
1. Frontend development:
- HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript: Fundamental technologies for structuring and styling the user interface.
- React.js or Angular: Popular JavaScript frameworks for building dynamic and responsive user interfaces.
2. Backend development:
- Node.js with Express.js: Facilitates efficient server-side operations and real-time data handling.
- Python with Django or Flask: Offers robust frameworks for rapid development and scalability.
3. Database management:
- PostgreSQL or MySQL: Reliable relational databases for structured data storage.
- MongoDB: A NoSQL database that can manage unorganized information.
4. API integration:
- RESTful APIs: Standard protocol for enabling communication between the portal and other systems.
- GraphQL: Provides a flexible approach to querying data, enabling customers to make precise requests.
5. Authentication and security:
- OAuth 2.0: Ensures secure user authentication and authorization.
- JWT (JSON Web Tokens): Allows for the safe transfer of data between parties.
- SSL/TLS Encryption: Protects data in transit, ensuring secure communication channels.
6. Cloud services and hosting:
- AWS or Microsoft Azure: Offers scalable cloud infrastructure and services.
- Docker and Kubernetes: Turn on orchestration and containerization for effective deployment and management.
7. DevOps and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD):
- Jenkins or GitLab CI/CD: Automates testing and deployment procedures, guaranteeing dependable and continuous updates.
8. Compliance and data protection:
- HIPAA Compliance Tools: Ensures the portal adheres to healthcare data protection regulations.
- Regular Security Audits: Identifies and mitigates potential vulnerabilities.
Leveraging the right technology stack, your organization can meet current healthcare demands and be prepared for future advancements in patient care and engagement. With these tools, you’re all set to make it right. Selecting this tech stack facilitates the creation of a secure, efficient, and user-friendly HMS portal that enhances patient engagement and streamlines healthcare operations.
How much does it cost to build a patient portal? (detailed estimation)
The patient portal development process involves various factors like features, integrations, and compliance, all of which influence the total patient portal software cost. So, how much does a portal cost? Let’s break it down.
| Category | Details | Estimated cost |
| Features and functionality | ||
| Basic features | Appointment scheduling, health record access, secure messaging | $15,000–$50,000 |
| Advanced features | Telehealth integration, payment gateways, data analytics | $40,000–$100,000+ |
| Custom features | Multilingual support, wearable device integration | $10,000–$ endlessly |
| Development team | ||
| In-house team | Hiring and managing a dedicated team | $50,000+ annually |
| Outsourcing | Offshore developers: $25–$50/hour; US-based: $100–$200/hour | Varies by region |
| Technology stack | ||
| Backend and frontend | Frameworks like React.js, Node.js | $20,000–$40,000 |
| Database and APIs | EHR integration, secure database setup | $5,000–$20,000 |
| Security and compliance | ||
| HIPAA compliance | Encryption, multi-factor authentication, data security | $10,000–$30,000 |
| Testing and QA | ||
| Quality assurance | Comprehensive testing to ensure usability and bug-free performance | $5,000–$15,000 |
| Deployment and maintenance | ||
| Cloud deployment | Hosting on platforms like AWS or Azure | $5,000–$15,000 annually |
Investing in patient portal development is a critical step toward improving patient engagement and streamlining healthcare workflows. While the patient portal software cost varies based on complexity, a well-designed portal pays off by enhancing efficiency and delivering a seamless patient experience.
Intobi dental case study
Intobi partnered with a dental clinic to create a patient portal system, as part of their broader software. The goal was to transform outdated, manual workflows into an automated, efficient patient portal solution that could scale seamlessly with the clinic’s growth. The clinic’s reliance on Excel spreadsheets for managing orders, billing, and client interactions was limiting both efficiency and expansion.
With a vision to simplify operations and enhance patient interactions, Intobi’s team built an intuitive SaaS platform that integrated cutting-edge technologies like .NET, Angular, and Node.js. This custom patient portal solution provided automation, real-time tracking, and user-friendly interfaces to support both dental professionals and patients.
Key value delivered included:
- Operational efficiency: Automation reduced errors and saved time across workflows.
- User satisfaction: A functional, easy-to-use platform improved the experience for both dental professionals and their patients.
- Growth enablement: The clinic expanded its customer base by over 50x, thanks to scalable and efficient processes.
- Streamlined financials: Automated billing integrated with major accounting software ensured accuracy and reduced financial overhead.
Intobi’s expertise in patient portal development and SaaS solutions can transform your operations, enhance patient interactions, and drive business growth for your healthcare organization. If you’re looking for a custom patient portal development, contact Intobi today for a free consultation!
Conclusion
A patient portal is an essential part of modern healthcare. By embracing patient portal software development, you can enlarge the base of loyal patients, enhance patient care, streamline your operations, and improve overall efficiency in your practice.
The ability to make appointments, view their medical records, and speak with their healthcare providers directly from the convenience of their own devices is critical for the patients. This empowers clients and fosters stronger relationships between them and their providers.
At Intobi, we specialize in building custom patient portal systems that are specially designed to satisfy the particular requirements of your medical practice. Whether you need a portal that integrates with your existing systems or a completely new solution, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Need a seamless, secure, and user-friendly patient portal? Contact us today and let’s discuss how we can help you build a platform that improves both patient engagement and your practice’s efficiency! Your journey toward a more connected and patient-focused healthcare experience begins here.
FAQ
Patient portal systems are a secure digital platform allowing patients to interact with clinicians, make appointments, get prescription refills, and view their medical records. Integrated with EHRs, these systems improve patient engagement through convenience and transparency.
A patient portal is more useful for real-time provider-patient interactions. It offers access to medical records and secure communication. A PHR, managed solely by the patient, is better for tracking health data from multiple sources.
Yes. To create patient portal you need a custom patient portal software development. This entails creating easy-to-use features, such as appointment scheduling, secure messaging, and EHR integration. Customization allows tailoring the portal to your healthcare organization’s needs and workflows.
Features, scalability, and compliance needs determine the cost of patient portal development. Basic portals start at $20,000, while advanced systems with mobile apps, telehealth, and robust security can exceed $250,000. Ongoing maintenance and updates add to the total patient portal software cost.
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